Cordulegaster diadema

Selys, 1868

Apache spiketail

Cordulegaster diadema, commonly known as the Apache spiketail, is a in the . typically measure 74–88 millimeters in length. The species ranges from the southwestern United States through Mexico to Rica. Females possess a prominent that gives the species its 'spiketail'.

Cordulegaster diadema by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cordulegaster diadema: /kɔrˈdʊləˌɡæstər daɪˈædɪmə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Distinguished from other Cordulegaster by the specific pattern of thoracic striping—two stripes with a stripe between them. The yellow coloration on the first leg and the yellow to with variable hair coloration are additional field marks. The prominent spikelike in females is diagnostic for the and gives the species its . Range overlap with other Cordulegaster species is limited in much of its distribution.

Images

Distribution

Southwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas) south through Mexico to Rica. GBIF records confirm presence in Middle America and North America.

Human Relevance

Noted authority Rosser Garrison's daughter, Anna Garrison, has a tattoo of this on her arm, reflecting its aesthetic appeal to enthusiasts. The species is part of Garrison's extensive personal collection of over 50,000 preserved specimens representing over 3,000 species.

Similar Taxa

  • Cordulegaster boltoniiEuropean golden-ringed ; differs in geographic range (Europe) and specific thoracic pattern details.
  • Other Cordulegaster speciesShare the spiketail characteristic but differ in thoracic stripe patterns, coloration, and geographic distribution.

More Details

Taxonomic authority

described by Edmond de Sélys Longchamps in 1868.

Observations

iNaturalist records 432 observations of this as of the data retrieval date.

Tags

Sources and further reading